A New Farmers Market is Coming to Randwick

While most farmers markets strive to ensure a local and ethical focus, Randwick’s latest arrival goes the extra mile.

An initiative by delivery service For Goodness Sake, the Fair Farmers Market aims to support those local farmers who don't use synthetic chemicals or industrial farming methods. It also gives a platform to smaller operators who are struggling to compete with the bigger, more commercial producers.

The process cuts out the middleman and brings produce directly from the farm to the market. Not all farmers have the resources or time to head into the city every week, so this service still gives them an opportunity to sell their produce.

“We want the farmers to benefit, and they want us to have better quality nutrients and fibre in our produce. We also want communities to thrive … this is a really unique model where you can buy your fruit and veg, and help out the ‘unsung heroes’ of the community,” says Clive Burcham, founder of For Goodness Sake.

The market will also donate 10 per cent of all sale proceeds to food-rescue organisation OzHarvest, or towards a local school or non-profit community group of your choice.

The market will be held at Randwick Racecourse every Sunday with more than 150 marquees and stalls featuring ethically produced meat, seafood, eggs and dairy, and an abundance of homemade goods.

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Stallholders will be using the same sustainable practices as organic farmers; recycling all green waste into compost and also using recyclable bags.

“The majority of produce is picked, transported and sold from our reusable, farmed timber bins, avoiding the need for unnecessary packaging,” says Burcham. “Our farms use an integrated approach to farming, from composting on farms to use as fertiliser through to harvesting seeds for the next crop. We do not use intensive farming practices where possible, our eggs, for instance, are farmed at 25 to 50 hens to the hectare.”

Adding another layer to the term “fair”, the markets will offer old-school, family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo, jumping castle, face painting and potato sack races for the kids. There will also be different, local live music acts every week.